Ôsez Mauges

This circular walking route offers a unique and refreshing experience, combining nature, rivers and heritage. As it winds through the valleys of the Èvre and the Hyrôme, the path follows the meandering waterways, sometimes taking you right alongside the river, and at other times leading you higher up to take in idyllic panoramic views. Throughout the route, the rural landscape reveals itself in all its diversity:unspoilt hedgerows, shady woodlands, windmills and watermills;small-scale local heritage, charming villages, and even the highest point in Anjou punctuate the journey. A true journey on foot through the heart of a vibrant and authentic region, where every bend in the path offers a new glimpse into the natural and cultural riches of the Mauges.

Towards the end of the circular GR® de Pays route, the path plunges into the heart of the Vallée des Moulins, sometimes climbing higher, sometimes winding along its base, before leading you back to the Loire and its scenic landscapes, revealing in particular the Île de Chalonnes over the final few kilometres of your walk.

Stage Seven. Setting off from Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, the route joins the legendary GR®3, the first signposted Grande Randonnée® trail in France. More unobtrusive here, sometimes set back from the river, the path invites you to explore the landscapes of the Loire from a more intimate perspective. Amidst hillsides, hamlets and sunken lanes, the river is more sensed than seen.

This stop marks the end of an 80-kilometre journey along the River Èvre. Amidst rugged terrain, magnificent panoramas and sites steeped in history, the landscape gradually opens up and becomes more expansive. The journey then takes on a new dimension: the intimacy of the river gives way to the solemn grandeur of the Loire.

Stage Three.This stage marks the transition between the Hyrôme and the Èvre, inviting walkers to traverse a more open landscape, punctuated by country lanes through the heart of farmland. During the first part of the route, the silhouette of Notre-Dame-des-Gardes Abbey looms on the horizon, guiding the traveller’s steps and highlighting the region’s characteristic landscape. This stretch, which feels like a transition between two worlds, unfolds peacefully before returning to the more secluded and intimate atmosphere of the banks of the Èvre.

Stage Five.The route climbs, offering superb panoramic views over the wooded valleys. The path then descends towards the River Èvre: winding its way along towpaths and steep sections, the route follows the course of the river and past old mills all the way to Montrevault.

The route continues as you leave the village of Le May-sur-Èvre and head into a valley where time seems to have stood still, amidst hedgerow-lined meadows and shaded riverbanks. From chapels to castles, various points of interest punctuate your journey.

Stage Two.Leaving the Layon Valley behind for that of the Hyrôme, this stage follows the river as closely as possible, taking in its old watermills and castles, amidst a peaceful, shaded setting. The murmur of the water accompanies walkers through hedgerows, footbridges and sunken paths. As you approach Chemillé, a visit to the Jardin Camifolia extends your immersion in the realm of plants.

Set amongst the banks of the Loire, the GR®3 trail and the Layon valley, this stage offers spectacular views of the rivers, all punctuated by local heritage sites against a backdrop of vineyards characteristic of the Anjou region.

The walk begins in the heart of the lime-burning hamlet of Châteaupanne, just a few steps from the priory and its chapel. First, let yourself be guided by the soothing murmur of the Ruisseau des Moulins, before heading slightly uphill. As you climb the hill, a unique natural spectacle unfolds before you: the remains of the world’s oldest wood, the dance of wild orchids and, come fine weather, the vibrant bloom of rock roses.

Combine the pleasure of walking with the discovery of one of the most captivating episodes in local history. This route invites you on a real journey back in time. It was against this backdrop that the final act of Jean-Nicolas Stofflet’s life unfolded. A former gamekeeper for Count Colbert de Maulévrier, he became one of the leading figures of the Vendée uprising before being ambushed and arrested at daybreak, wounded by Republican bayonets. Amidst the typical landscapes of the Mauges and significant historical sites, this route takes you to the scene of a historic night that changed the region’s history forever.

Take a stroll through the countryside of the Mauges region along this route. You’ll pass through vast agricultural areas and get a close-up view of wind turbines. You’ll also have the chance to wander through open fields, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this rural landscape. Wooded areas with paths lined by hedgerows and trees will offer you a cool respite and immerse you in a more intimate atmosphere.

During this hike, walkers will have the opportunity to discover a rich heritage, bearing witness to local history and traditions. Along the way, several crosses and calvaries will reveal themselves, offering beautiful contemplative stops and a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural dimension of the region. The path also leads past the Maison du Potier, a true place of memory and transmission. This stage allows you to appreciate the ancestral art of working with clay and immerse yourself in the creative world of the potters who have made Le Fuilet famous. For a well-deserved break in nature, the route leads to the Barbotine Pond. This green setting is the ideal place to share a family picnic or simply relax by the water.

A superb walk with majestic views over the Loire! Discover the exceptional, listed site of the ‘Verrou du Val de Loire’, the little port of La Patache, and the shaded paths along the water’s edge. This walk, which involves a slight climb, will allow you to appreciate the rich landscape and heritage of this rock steeped in history!

A walk around the Sainte-Catherine stream, through valleys and along grassy paths near Bouzillé in Maine-et-Loire.

Discover one of the most beautiful villages on the banks of the Loire, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. As you stroll through the village, you’ll be enchanted by this ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’, with its remarkable viewpoints and rich architectural heritage.

A long-distance walk to explore Gallo-Roman sites. A variety of landscapes, including wooded countryside, the Forest of Leppo, fields and vineyards, as well as sections along the River Èvre. This beautiful walk brings together all aspects of the natural and historical richness of this commune.

Discover the charming village of Torfou on the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise. With a rich history and a heritage shaped by the Wars of the Vendée, Torfou boasts an exceptional setting that invites you to relax and unwind amongst its wooded paths, streams and unobstructed views over the fields.

This pleasant walk will allow you to discover the area’s natural treasures, including the various streams, fields, lakes and the historical heritage of the new municipality of Sèvremoine.

A very natural, peaceful and relaxing walking route that will allow you to recharge your batteries. You’ll pass through numerous fields and meadows and cross the Leppo Forest.

This route will allow you to discover the natural riches of La Chaussaire, with a short stop on the way back at the Grotto of Lourdes de la Chaussaire, next to the parish church of Saint-Joseph-en-Mauges.

Starting from La Renaudière, set off into the heart of nature along pleasant, shaded paths. As you wander the paths, discover a rich and varied natural heritage and the hidden treasures of rural cultural heritage.

Climb to the top to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Loire. Discover this lovely walk combining remarkable heritage with ancient ruins and beautiful panoramic views from the heights of the hillside. You will also walk along wooded paths and along the Loire via theGR®3.

Set off to explore the Mauges countryside through its vineyards, its historical heritage – including Saint-Pierre Church – and the industrial heritage of the village of Tillières. Near the car park, you can admire an old mill dating from the 19th century.

A pleasant walk taking in beautiful tree-lined avenues with sections through the woods, passing through villages and following the course of the River Sèvre Nantaise. In terms of historical interest, you’ll discover Couboureau Castle and the Torfou Column (commemorating the Battle of Torfou during the War in the Vendée).

A signposted trail stretching over 11 km through the countryside on one side and a path along the River Moine on the other. You will also have the opportunity to stroll around the village of Saint Crespin-sur-Moine, where you can see the former Maison du Mineur et des Énergies and the Chapelle des Ecluseaux.

Discover several woods in the commune of Villedieu-la-Blouère in the Mauges! Mushroom-pickers take note: this walk is around ten kilometres long.

Let the sounds of nature guide you along the River Èvre through the Beaupréau countryside. Pass by the mills beside the river

This route allows you to experience the Mauge countryside along paths lined with trees and hedgerows. It is possible to split this route into two parts

A pleasant route through the Andrezé countryside, allowing you to discover the Étang de la Couderaie, the ruins of the Château des Hayes Gasselin and the Manoir de la Chaperonnière.

Set off on a walk along the paths of La Salle-et-Chapelle-Aubry, following the Droille and Armazie streams. Visit the gold mine at Saint-Pierre Montlimart and its cosmopolitan town from the early 1900s.

An eight-kilometre walk through the Anjou countryside starting from Saint-Quentin-en-Mauges to discover the historical heritage of the commune.

This walking trail is located in the commune of Gesté, a charming village in the Mauges region, where you can discover the Étang de la Thévinière and the Château du Plessis. Please note: the path is closed during the hunting season.

Hike through the Boulaie woods, along the ponds and in the grounds of the Château de la Houssaye. Starting from the church, explore the countryside of Saint Laurent-du-Mottay and discover the architecture of the Mauges region and the orchards for which Anjou is famous. A route with little elevation gain, perfect for enjoying with friends or family!

In the woods of La Gautrèche and along tree-lined paths, you’ll discover a rural and bucolic landscape characteristic of the Mauges region. The great diversity of landscapes will make for a rich and varied walk.As this route covers a large part of the Jubaudière area, it will allow you to discover a town with many different facets.

Discover the heritage of Neuvy-en-Mauges as you walk along its footpaths. You’ll enjoy views of the Morosière estate, built in 1869 from stone and tuffeau, and the Manoir de l’Aunay Gontard, dating from the Classical period (17th and 18th centuries) and spared destruction during the Wars of the Vendée.

Enjoy this variation on the Fours aux Moulins hike. You will set off to discover some of the thousand mills that once operated in the region. Through magnificent vineyards and small paths, enjoy a moment surrounded by nature.Hiking trail between Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye.

Set off to explore the small town of Melay. You’ll pass by the Jardin du Curé and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, of which only ruins remain but which is also steeped in history. At the end of this walk, enjoy a relaxing moment by the town’s ponds.

Take a stroll to explore the small town of Melay; you’ll pass through the Jardin du Curé and the ruins of the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, which is steeped in history, and halfway along the route, enjoy a relaxing break at the Étang de Coulvée in Chemillé.

Set off on an adventure on the borders of Loire-Atlantique and Maine-et-Loire. Explore this trail with your family along the Divatte and its tributaries. Near the Divatte, the route passes by a Gallo-Roman bridge, old water mills and the Perthuis Churin leisure centre. Along the Ilette and in the valley, discover unspoilt flora. Bring your picnic and enjoy a fun hike with geocaching (an outdoor treasure hunt using GPS devices).

Take a walk to discover the riverine landscape along the Èvre and the Loire. Follow theGR®3along the left bank of the Loire to Le Marillais, taking in the rich heritage of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil: the abbey and abbey church, the Promenade Julien Gracq and the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Marillais. On your return from your walk, enjoy the panoramic view of the Loire Valley from the Montglonne esplanade.

This walk is a shorter version of the 18.7 km "Between the Loire and the vineyards" walk. You will cross Drain between hillsides, wooded paths, fields and vineyards. Take the time to observe the typical flora and fauna of each of these environments, as well as the unobstructed view of the Loire valleys as you cross the vineyards of Drain.

The village of Bouzillé has many distinctive features. The route, starting from the picnic area at Square Gibot, will take you along dirt tracks to La Bourgonnière and its ‘Christ habillé’. The route will then lead you to a very peaceful spot in the countryside, namely La Boire Sainte-Catherine, a popular fishing spot on fine days. The rest of the walk will take you back to the 19th century, which marked the heyday of lime production in Anjou.

Starting from the Beauregrêt campsite, walk close to the waterholes. These exceptionally rich environments reveal their different facets as the seasons change. The route takes you along the Nigaudière and Rompure ponds, where the waters of the Robinets stream slowly warm up before joining the Loire. The surrounding meadows, bordered by hedges of ash trees—mostly pollarded—are exceptionally well preserved.

Discover the Church of Saint-Pierre de Melay, then pause for a moment at the Chapel of the Martyrs, built in memory of the men, women and children massacred during the Wars of the Vendée. You’ll pass by the Jardin du Curé and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, of which only ruins remain but which is also steeped in history, and halfway along the route, take a moment to relax by the Étang de Coulvée.

Explore the Oyon Valley at La Jumellière! Discover the area around the town in a different way, with its rich heritage and natural beauty! Accessible family hike.

Explore the hillsides of the Oyon Valley near La Jumellière. Discover Saint-Pierre Church and the Oratory of Notre-Dame d’Oyon, and cross the little stream in this pretty, remarkably well-preserved valley, home to interesting plant and animal species.

A walk through the appellation’s vineyards in the Anjou Coteaux de Loire region, this footpath allows you to explore the commune’s vineyard landscape, the rose bushes at the Claude Michel nurseries, the mills, and a panoramic view of the Thau valley. A section of the path follows the Grande Randonnée trail, theGR®3.

Enjoy the Loire and the historical past of Montjean-sur-Loire by hiking past the various lime kilns that made this village the largest port on the Loire in the 18th and 19th centuries. You will also discover some of the thousand mills that once operated in the region. Enjoy a moment in the heart of nature as you walk through vineyards and along small paths. Hiking trail in the municipalities of Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye.

Go for a walk around Valanjou, where you’ll discover the Moulin de Gué Robert and the Bois de Lala.